“Izhevsk Machinebuilding Plant (Russian: Ижевский Mашиностроительный Завод) or IZHMASH (ИЖМАШ) is a weapons and motor vehicle manufacturer based in Izhevsk, founded in 1807 at the decree of Tsar Alexander I, and is now one of the largest corporations in its field. It manufactures the famous Kalashnikov series of assault rifle, along with a host of other Russian arms, including medium cannons, missiles, and guided shells. Izhmash also produces other goods, such as motorcycles and cars. As of April 2012 the company was declared bankrupt. In November 2012 Dmitry Rogozin proposed to merge Izhmash with Izhevsk Mechanical Plant (Izhmekh) under the new name “Kalashnikov”. In ameeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Mr. Rogozin has said “Izhmash and Izhmekh, with due respect, are not brands. “Kalashnikov” is a brand”. Putin supported the Idea”. – Wikipedia. (Photos by Pismoshnaya.ru)